Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Found in human dwellings, typically in bedrooms. They hide in mattresses, bed frames, box springs, headboards, cracks in walls, furniture, and even electrical outlets. They are also common in hotels, apartments, dorms, and public transport where people frequently gather.

Diet & Feeding

Exclusively hematophagous, meaning they feed on blood. Human blood is their preferred diet, though they can feed on other mammals and birds if humans are unavailable.

Behavior Patterns

Bed bugs are primarily nocturnal, feeding on humans (or other warm-blooded animals) while they sleep. They are elusive and tend to hide in cracks and crevices during the day, coming out to feed when it's dark. They can survive for several months without a blood meal. Females lay 1-5 eggs per day, typically in secluded locations.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Bed bug bites can cause itchy red welts, leading to discomfort, skin irritation, and potential secondary skin infections from scratching. They can also cause anxiety, stress, and sleep deprivation. While they are a nuisance, bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans. Benefits: None known to humans in a positive sense. They are considered pests.

Identified on: 8/18/2025